Marangu Route
The Marangu or main route (also known as the ‘Coca-Cola’ route) is considered the easiest route for Kilimanjaro climbing. The reason that people say it is easier is because it is the only route where you sleep in huts as opposed to tents. It crosses The Saddle, a 5 km wide, high-altitude, semi-desert that separates craggy Mawenzi from the main summit Kibo.
Climbers sometimes spend an extra day to acclimate to the altitude at Horombo Hut. Also, climbers often start the final ascent to Uhuru Peak early from Kibo Hut, since the scree is easier to climb when frozen, and dawn views from the crater rim are often spectacular.
Details
After being picked up from your lodge, drive to Marangu gate for park formalities. Here you will meet your trekking team, registration and pack weighing. You will be hiking through the dense rainforest to Mandara hut (2700 m), for about 5 hours. You will spend the night in the Mandara huts.
Trekking time: 4-6 hours
Early after breakfast, the trek continues through the forest and crosses the open moor zone to Horombo hut. After approximately 6-8 hours you will have a view of Horombo Hut. You will get stunning views of Mawenzi, and Kibo from the hut.
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
This day is important for acclimatization. This day can be spent hiking toward Mawenzi, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way. After spending a few moments exploring the area you will head back to Horombo Hut. This is a 3-hour hike up and about 1.5 hours back. It is strongly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatisation.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
You will depart from Horombo Hut early and ascent to Kibo Hut. When hiking you will cross the moor land and then the alpine desert to “Saddle” between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. From here you will walk for about an hour to reach Kibo hut (4700 m). Here, you will enjoy an early dinner and go to bed early as the night will be short.
Trekking time: 5-6 hours
You will wake up very early (around midnight) to get ready for the ascent. This day is usually the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. The route follows the rocky path to Hans Meyer Cave. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m), the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will take a short rest and refuel with a snack.
After a further hike of about two hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak (5895 m) the highest point in Africa. You will spend a few moments at the peak and start to descend back to Kibo Hut. After a meal and a short rest, you will head down to the thicker air and relative warmth of Horombo Hut. After the longest, and most memorable day, we will enjoy the last dinner on the mountain and well-earned sleep.
Trekking time: 12-16 hours
This is your final day on the trek, after breakfast, descend back to Marangu Gate where you will pick up your summit certificates. Transfer to your hotel for departure preparations.
Trekking time: 6-8 hours
